Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs are reshaping how law enforcement agencies gather information and respond to emergencies. In this guest commentary, former police chief Mike Moulton shares his perspective on why DFR represents the most significant advance in police situational awareness since the introduction of the police radio, while offering a practical assessment of … [Read more...] about Drone as First Responder – and the 3 Questions Every Police Leader Should Ask Before Funding a Program
drone operations
Underground Drone Bases? SYNDÉO Bets the Future of Autonomous Flight Starts Below Ground
Small infrastructure company offers new twist on drone shelters By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill For people in the commercial drone industry, most of their attention is quite naturally turned to the sky. But a small, private company is hoping to shift some of that focus of UAV operators in the opposite direction – in fact underground. SYNDÉO, a 10-year-old … [Read more...] about Underground Drone Bases? SYNDÉO Bets the Future of Autonomous Flight Starts Below Ground
FAA Data Shows Drone Sightings Near Airports Nearly Doubled in Second Quarter
After incidents, FAA warns against drones at airports By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill The number of reported close encounters between drones and manned aircraft at U.S. airports almost doubled between the first and second quarters of 2026, according to FAA data. From April through June 2026, the FAA reported 601 drone sightings near airports, compared with only 320 … [Read more...] about FAA Data Shows Drone Sightings Near Airports Nearly Doubled in Second Quarter
Utilities Prepare for BVLOS While Navigating the Post-DJI Transition
Utilities face challenges in establishing drone programs By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill While the owners of electric utility assets were some of the earliest adopters of drone technology, they are facing new challenges and opportunities – such as the expected adoption of new beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) regulations and government pressures to adapt their drone … [Read more...] about Utilities Prepare for BVLOS While Navigating the Post-DJI Transition
Fort Worth Takes a Vendor-Neutral Approach to Building Its DFR Program
Fort Worth PD ‘test drives’ vendors’ DFR systems By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill As police departments across the country are increasingly adding drones as first responder programs to their arsenal of law enforcement tools, each agency has to make decisions as to what set of DFR systems will best fit the needs of their particular community. The Fort Worth Police … [Read more...] about Fort Worth Takes a Vendor-Neutral Approach to Building Its DFR Program
